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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16273
3 days ago
24

stroke causes - #16273

Vanya

I am really worried about my dad since he's had some health issues recently, and we keep hearing about stroke causes and how they can affect people. Last week he complained of really bad headaches and some dizziness, and then he had this weird episode where he struggled to speak properly for a few minutes, which scared us all so much! The doctor mentioned that some stroke causes can be genetic, and I know my grandpa had a stroke too. But aren't there other things like bad diet and lack of exercise that can lead to it? I mean, my dad doesn't eat that healthy, and he’s not exactly a gym rat. We’re also curious if things like high blood pressure and diabetes are major stroke causes because he’s been managing both for years. I guess I'm just trying to understand more about what might be lurking there, you know? Could other lifestyle choices we’re not thinking of be hidden stroke causes? Like stress? Or maybe something else? It feels overwhelming trying to piece together what we can do to help him. What do you all think?

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Doctors’ responses

It sounds like your dad’s recent symptoms are indeed concerning and definitely warrant further evaluation. A stroke is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain, often due to blocked or burst blood vessels. There are multiple risk factors that can play a role, including the ones you’ve mentioned. Genetic factors can certainly contribute, especially if there’s a family history of stroke, like with your grandfather. As for lifestyle factors, yes—diet and exercise habits can have a significant impact. A diet high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugars can increase blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for stroke. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces blood pressure, and improves overall cardiovascular health, potentially reducing stroke risk. Your concern about high blood pressure and diabetes is spot on; both are major stroke risk factors. Poorly controlled hypertension can damage blood vessels, and diabetes can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, increasing the risk. It’s crucial that your dad continues managing these conditions, possibly with regular check-ups to ensure they’re well-controlled. Stress is another factor to consider. Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension and make it harder to manage lifestyle choices that impact stroke risk, like diet and exercise. Encouraging stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation, might be beneficial for his overall health. Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, if applicable, can also lower risk. Facilitate open conversations with his healthcare provider to pinpoint the exact factors relevant to his health profile and to address any modifiable risk factors with personalized advice. I’d recommend you urge him to seek immediate medical attention if he experiences any more sudden symptoms like the speech difficulty you mentioned, as these could be transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often seen as warning signs of a potential future stroke. This needs prompt assessment to possibly prevent serious outcomes—early intervention can make a huge difference.

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